More than 30 players, including Hall of Famers, MVPs and world champions, to put their golf game to the test at THE PRO CUP, a match-play tournament at Innisbrook Resort in December
PALM HARBOR, Fla., – THE PRO RIVALS OPEN, a new competitive golf tournament series that brings together professional athletes from the four major sports leagues, announced that 33 former professional athletes from across the world of sports have committed to participate in THE PRO CUP this December at Innisbrook Resort.
THE PRO CUP will be played at the famed Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor on Dec. 10-14 and feature some of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes from baseball, basketball, football and hockey. The confirmed list of participants includes 19 players with a handicap of 2.0 or lower, six members of their respective sport’s hall of fame and five athletes who earned the top individual award in their league.
“What’s so exciting about this process is that we’re not only building a ‘who’s who’ of some of the greatest professional athletes of our time, but they’re also avid golfers who are ready to compete on the course,” said Nick Clark, General Manager, THE PRO RIVALS OPEN. “THE PRO CUP will bring them together at Innisbrook Resort as they seek to claim the ultimate bragging rights for their sport on the links.”
Confirmed athletes from the world of baseball include Joe Carter, Tyler Clippard, Josh Donaldson, Brian McCann, Kevin Millar, Mark Mulder, Eric Gagne, Kyle Lohse, Vince Coleman and Derek Lowe.
Brett Hull, Justin Williams, James Wisniewski, Joe Pavelski, David Booth, Brad May, Ryan Getzlaf, Ray Whitney, Bernie Nicholls and Brenden Morrow have committed to represent hockey.
Basketball players include Gerald Henderson Jr., Vinny Del Negro and Danny Ainge while committed football players include Tim Brown, Mark Rypien, Josh Scobee, Patrick Peterson, Billy Joe Tolliver and Dwight Freeney. Additional players will be announced in the coming weeks.
The athletes will make up 12-person teams that will square off in a three-day, match play event that includes doubles and singles matches. National Baseball Hall of Famer and World Series Champion John Smoltz, Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, nine-time All-Star and Hockey Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick and 14-year NBA veteran and former basketball analyst Jon Barry will captain their sport’s respective teams.
In 2025, THE PRO RIVALS OPEN will bring together active and former professional athletes to compete head-to-head in four sport-specific golf tournaments to crown the best player from each league.
THE PRO CUP is open to the public, and daily and weekly admission tickets, hospitality offerings and volunteer positions are now available at www.theprorivalsopen.com.
THE PRO is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it visits by partnering with local organizations that support youth athletic programs. THE PRO CUP has partnered with CFY Pinellas to support youth athletics programs in Pinellas County, Fla. Additional charity partners will be announced in early 2025 in conjunction with each tournament.
For more information about THE PRO, visit theprorivalsopen.com.
About THE PRO
THE PRO is a competitive golf tournament series that brings together professional athletes from the four major professional sports leagues. The league includes four sport-specific stroke play golf tournaments and a team format championship – THE PRO CUP – hosted annually to determine which league prevails on the course for the ultimate bragging rights. Players will participate in practice rounds, a pro-am and a three-day tournament that replicates the feel – and the pressure – of a professional golf tournament. THE PRO takes place at iconic golf venues across the country, testing the mettle of some of the most talented and accomplished athletes in new ways.
About ETZEL – Managing & Operating Partner
ETZEL Agency is a respected leader in the live event and experiential marketing space, dedicated to crafting memorable moments. Our expertise includes Live Events, Digital Experiences, Creative Services, VIP Environments, Talent Procurement/Management, Sponsorship Sales, and Strategic Consulting. We are committed to partnering with brands and properties to deliver outstanding service and innovative solutions. ETZEL’s competitive yet collaborative mentality combined with its vast relationships creates partnership that produces success. Together with our clients we are relentless in our pursuit of the desired outcome while also enjoying the process. Visit us at etzelagency.com to learn more about our extraordinary team.
Media Resources
Media can access the media kit for THE PRO RIVALS OPEN here.
Media may apply for credentials for THE PRO CUP here.
Media Contacts
Megan Godfrey
megan@trestlecollective.com
Johnathan McGinty
johnathan@trestlecollective.com
